Photographing the Civil War: Mathew Brady at 200

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From: National Archives Catalog <catalog@nara.gov>
Sent: Thursday, May 26, 2022 9:21:44 AM
To: terry.travers@outlook.com <terry.travers@outlook.com>
Subject: Photographing the Civil War: Mathew Brady at 200

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Photographing the Civil War: Mathew Brady at 200

Mathew Brady was one of the most prolific photographers of the nineteenth century, creating visual documentation of the Civil War period. While Mathew Brady's exact birthdate is unknown (circa 1822 - 1824), this year marks the beginning of the commemoration of Brady's 200th birthday.

Black and white photograph of a group of men sitting between decks on a steamer ship.

Mathew Brady Photographs of Civil War-Era Personalities and Scenes, 1921 - 1940. Transport between decks on steamer. National Archives Identifier 529338

Black and white photograph of an outdoor camp scene during the Civil War, soldiers cooking at the site. The image is shown in triplicate.

Mathew Brady Photographs of Civil War-Era Personalities and Scenes, 1921 - 1940. Camp scene, camp cooks working. National Archives Identifier 529421

During the Civil War, Brady and his associates–notably Alexander Gardner, George Barnard, and Timothy O'Sullivan–traveled throughout the eastern part of the country and produced several thousand photographs, capturing the effects of the War through photographs of people, towns, and battlefields. Additionally, Brady kept studios in Washington, DC and New York City, where many influential politicians and war heroes sat for portraits.

Count Otto Von Bismarck

National Archives Identifier 526890

Black and white studio photograph of a group of three Japanese people. Two are seated, and one person in the middle stands.

Group of three Japanese. Person on right possibly Domin Kawasaki, physician of the 1860 mission. National Archives Identifier 526519

Black and white studio photograph of Captain Edward P. Doherty. The image is shown 4 times.

Capt. Edward P. Doherty, Booth's captor. National Archives Identifier 526894

The National Archives has digitized over 6,000 images from the series Mathew Brady Photographs of Civil War-Era Personalities and Scenes (National Archives Local Identifier 111-B). Although many photos in the National Archives are attributed to Brady, many were taken by others under his supervision. When Brady published photographs from his collection, he credited them with his own name whether or not he actually took the photograph.

Black and white photograph of a group of men in uniform on the deck of a ship. Several men sit in chairs, and two dogs sit at their feet.

Deck of monitor on James River, Va. "Onondaga" National Archives Identifier 524460

These images can be viewed in the National Archives Catalog and on our Flickr page, organized into topical sets such as Civil War Entrenchments and Defenses, Lincoln's Cabinet, and Union and Confederate Generals. Most major battles are represented in the sets, as well as Women of the Civil War.

Black and white studio photograph of Tad Lincoln. The photograph is shown in a group of 6 images

"Tad" Lincoln National Archives Identifier 526483

Black and white studio photograph of a woman posed in a dress with her hands crossed in her lap.

Mrs. Williams

National Archives Identifier 526469

Their images depict the multiple aspects of the war except one crucial element: battle. Photographs show camp life, routines, war preparations, the moments just prior to battle, and the aftermath of battle. The primitive technology of photography required that subjects be still at the moment the camera's shutter snapped. Battle scenes are, therefore, missing from the record of history of this era. Learn more on our Educator Resources page and on DocsTeach.

Black and white photograph of a camp scene. A tent covered in greens and leaves and branches is in the background, while a group of soldiers stand in front of it.

Officers of 4th. New Jersey Infantry National Archives Identifier 524423

Black and white photograph of a group of soldiers sitting and standing in front of a small house. A young boy sits off the the side.

Officers at headquarters National Archives Identifier 524666

Learn more about Mathew Brady and Civil War photographs from the following National Archives resources:

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Population schedule image from the 1950 Census showing Steven Spielberg and his family. The

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Have a question? Find your answer on History Hub! Browse some of the existing questions already asked (and answered!) about Mathew Brady and other Civil War photography topics:

Where can I find more information about Civil War photographer Mathew Brady?

How can I find a photo of my grandfather in the U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War?

I am searching for photos and records of my ancestor in the 60th Reg. NY Vol. Infantry.

Where can I find photos of post offices and other buildings during the Civil War?

Who owned the Mathew Brady Photo Collection before the National Archives?

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